BMW X4 M40i Revealed as Brand's Newest Mega Sporty SUV
The BMW X4 M40i has been officially revealed sporting a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 355 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque.
Serving as the new range-topping model, the X4 M40i will begin arriving dealerships in February 2016 as the newest member of the BMW M Performance family. Setting it apart from the standard X4 are exclusive Ferric Gray metallic accents on the front of the vehicle and side mirrors, as well as exclusive optional 20-inch M light-alloy double-spoke wheels paired to Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Giving it a throatier exhaust note from the turbocharged engine is a sport exhaust system with valve control, while the Black Chrome tailpipes give it a unique look.
According to the German automaker, the BMW X4 M40i has best-in-class acceleration, able to go zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. But it’s not all about straight-line performance, with the X4 M40i benefiting from stronger springs and stabilizers, increased camber on the front axle and adaptive dampers specifically tuned to M Performance specifications. In addition, the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system has been recalibrated so that more power is routed to the rear wheels during normal operation.
The BMW X4 M40i will come standard with an eight-speed sports transmission. Although it is not a true M model, the X4 M40i aims to bridge the gap between the standard X4 models and the eventual X4 M, which hasn’t been confirmed but is widely speculated to arrive in the future.
SEE ALSO: 2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i Review
Inside, owners will find an M leather-wrapped steering wheel, M gear shift lever, sport seats, model-specific door sills and “X4 M40i” digital lettering on the instrument cluster. Nevada Leather upholstery is found throughout the cabin as standard, along with keyless entry, lumbar support and satellite radio with one-year subscription. Other standard features include Dynamic Damper Control, Variable Sport Steering, Performance Control, Park Distance Control front and rear, Xenon adaptive headlights and LED fog lights and 19-inch wheels.
The only exclusive color for the X4 M40i will be Long Beach Blue metallic, but customers can also order the performance SUV in six other shades that are available with M Sport on other X4 models.
Expect pricing on the BMW M4 M40i to be announced closer to its on sale date early next year.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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OK, great. But WHY? Do you really need another M-tuned crossover, BMW? I bet you'll sell these by the dozen per year. How does that cover development costs?
Although this is a stylish SUV, it just looks awkward and looks like a tall wagon/hatch hybrid than a crossover SUV.